What shall we say then?..

What does it mean to be a Christian? Not just to have that title plastered in front of your name, but what does ‘Christian’ really symbolize? What implications does it embrace? It’s something that we all have to think about as sons and daughters of the King, and it’s so important that we know what our faith means to us, as well as the example that we set for those around us. How should Christians think, talk and act?
Our generation today, doesn’t seem to realize the serious impact that Christianity could have on society if we just take the opportunities that are so often presented to us. We take them as they come, but fail to actually use them in witnessing to the world around us. We need to speak out more. We can’t be afraid of what the world will think, what they’ll say, how they’ll see us. The only way that people will even begin to reach out for answers, is if we take our faith and put it out in front of them.
Our lives need to be a picture of Christ, they need to be an example of what godliness is. “For in Him we live and move and have all our being” (Acts 17:28a) The Bible commands us, his people, to fill our minds only with things pertaining to Him. “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Ph. 4:8) In order to keep our minds and thoughts pure from the sinful practices and impure morals of this world, we need to keep ourselves focused on things of Christ. If we strive to do so and block out the sinful whispers of the devil, “the God of peace shall be with you.” (Ph.4:9b)
So often our thoughts encompass this huge realm of wickedness and impurity and the world so eagerly convinces us that what it has to offer is enough to satisfy our every need and want. As Christians, we need to have a faith, strong enough to say no, strong enough to hold on to the promises that God has so graciously given in His Word. Temptations will arise, but that’s the time when when our faith in Jesus Christ will have the most impact. Being always in His inherent and infallible Word will encourage us all the more to be ambassadors for Christ, and in doing so, we will shine so much brighter as sons and daughters of the King! “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16)
What is the speech of a Christian to mirror? The way we communicate with those around us has an incredibly huge impact on the way that they will view our Christianity. If we’re no different than them, what is there to want that they don’t have? It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment and blurt out things that we’ll regret later. So often we don’t even think about what we’re really saying and things “just slip out.” “ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of the fools poureth out foolishness.The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.” ( Prov. 15: 2&7) As Christians, our mouths need to speak only of things that are glorifying to God. This does not imply that all our talk and all our words must always be of spiritual things, but more that what does flow from our mouths is pleasing in His sight. “ Keep your tongue from speaking evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Ps. 34:13)
Our walk with Christ encompasses a huge and at times overwhelming realm of change. Things happen in our lives that we didn’t expect, situations arise where we stumble for words, or search for answers that we can’t seem to find. It seems as if we’re alone and there’s no way out, or maybe life is just to perfect we forget the real reason of our existence. Nevertheless, whatever the case may be, there is one thing we must remember: “ Be strong and of good courage, do not fear not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6) In the gray and shadowed hours of our lives, that is when we need to reach out all the more and lean on Him to guide us through. He’s promise never to leave us, so what more of a reason do we have then to lift up our hands in praise to our glorious Saviour! If we truly realize how much of a gift of grace we have as sons and daughters of Christ, why should we hold back? Why should we hide the wondrous gift of the cross? If we love Christ, our lives will radiate that love. Our actions both towards ourselves and others around us will show that our life is not our own but One who is higher than all mankind, a King of creation, the maker of heaven and earth.
Being afraid of who we are as Christians is saying that God’s not quite good enough to share. Filling our lives with things that pertain to His kingdom will encourage us all the more and spur us on equally to think, speak and act only in ways that can and will bring glory and honor to the holy name of Christ.
“ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now, and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)